Daniel Estorco, President Kabankalan City Club of Chicago

By: Ryan Tejero

 

About 27 years ago, this growing number of Filipino Americans who hail from Kabankalan City in Negros Occidental, Philippines, gathered together in Elk Grove, Illinois, and organized their hometown group called, Kabankalan City Club of Chicago (KCCC). This was founded by the late Romeo “Nonoy” Ocong Vidal, with a mission to connect with their beloved city, and provide continuous support to one of city’s most treasured Lorenzo P. Zayco District Hospital. For so many years, members of this group were able to send assistance to the hospital’s volunteers, midwives and nurses, who in turn, are helping other residents of Kabankalan, including their neighboring towns who are in need and cannot afford the cost of medical care. Aside from the medical assistance of sending medical supplies to the beneficiary hospital, KCCC also pioneered efforts in giving education scholarships, books for the town’s library and improvement of the town’s children’s playground. KCCC’s organizers have been inspired in working to achieve their mission by a guest speaker in one of their earlier events in 1999, who said that “the easiest way for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.”

KCCC has been blessed with dedicated and loyal members since the time of its inception. This is one reason why the group has never failed in its commitment to generate funds in order to sustain benevolent projects back in the Philippines. The club has faithfully supported in sending money for the salaries of two (2) full time nurses every year to keep them working in the hospital. The goal is to increase medical services through nurses at the hospital. The club also appropriates funding for employees bonuses and stipends of nurses, midwives and volunteers in the hospital. KCCC acknowledges several group leaders who have made this possible and are to be commended for their undying loyalty and commitment to the club. From the very beginning until now they deserve special recognition. They are Jun and Annette Villaluz, Luis and Norma Librodo, Rick (+) and Merle Amoloria, Nonoy Gelegani, Tito and Diding Estero, Nick and Melba Flores. Currently heading and directing the activities of KCCC is Daniel Estorco. He is presently employed by the government. He previously worked with AthletiCo Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation and as basketball/football/sports training and rehabilitation intern for a sport performance company. DR completed his degree in Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Nutrition, and being consistently in the Dean’s list for 4 years in college. Other than KCCC, DR is also affiliated with the Philippine Basketball Association of Chicago (PBA) as a volunteer coach for the U-16 age group. KCCC has many scheduled fundraising events. One of the biggest events is the hosting of the Global Reunion, Induction Dinner and Dance every three years with other Kabankalan City organizations from the East Coast, West Coast, Canada and London. In January 2015, the Global Reunion will be held in KCCC’s hometown, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, where all organizations and Kabankalanons reunite with one another, to fellowship and implement their individual projects while being there. Another fundraising event that KCCC holds every November/December of the year is a Holiday Party that raises funds only for hospital needs.

KCCC, through its founding President, Romeo O Vidal, received a recognition from the Fellowship Baptist College in 2004 as “Distinguished Alumnus of Fellowship Baptist College.” He was described as the man with a true vision for the good of others. Nina Mae Vidal, who is currently an active member of the Board of Directors, fundraising organizer, prominent entertainer in the Chicago Filipino American community, and KCCC’s Past President is inviting the public to join them on Saturday, August 16th at the Holiday Inn in Skokie, IL. 6pm – 1am for their fundraising event. Nina promotes KCCC to everyone who shares their vision: WE SHARE BECAUSE WE CARE. Please contact Nina at NMaeVidal709@gmail.com or the KCCC president, DR at Destorco@gmail.com for details of KCCC event.

Future KCCC President Daniel Ruben Flores Estorco, with past President and member of Board of Director and cousin, Nina Mae Vidal.

 

Photo above taken during KCCC’s event to raise fund for their beneficiary hospital in Negros Occidental.